The Nagaland Press Association (NPA) has criticised Assam and Nagaland Governor P B Acharya for his remark 'supporting' the stand of the Assam Rifles in issuing gag to the Nagaland media against publication of press statements from NSCN (K) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Acharya had recently been quoted as saying in Guwahati that "As per the law, the Assam Rifles had done the right thing. Any banned organization will not get the publicity in our newspapers. If they (armed outfits) are in peace agreement with the government, their statements can come in the newspapers."
NPA President K Temjen Jamir and Vice-President H Chishi in a joint statement here today said, "The NPA is disturbed and appalled by the statement of Nagaland Governor P B Acharya in expressing "outright support" to Assam Rifles "in curtailing" the editorial rights of news papers," said
The NPA wondered whether news reports published by newspapers all over the world and India including Nagaland, on terror outfits such as Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Al Qaeda, are also considered unlawful by the executive or security forces in Nagaland?
NPA said if publication of reports about threats and likely trouble or a dangerous situation by an unlawful organisation, could be considered as support to that organisation by the media, then the intelligence capabilities of the state were in serious doubt.
The journalist body of the state reiterated that as a responsible media, working in a conflict situation, its primary role was to provide balanced report, without fear or favour, so as to ensure that the principle of objectivity of a free press served society.
The NPA has therefore demanded that the Governor clarify his 'statement' and further called for Assam Rifles withdrawing its restriction on the media "without further delay.
